Bowmore, Islay’s first single malt Scotch whisky, is launching its latest expression – the Bowmore 50 Year Old, which was distilled in December 1961 and left to mature in two ex-bourbon hogshead casks. Half a century later, the angels left enough to fill just 200 bottles, which are priced at £16,000 each.
The bottles have been hand-blown by Glasstorm, and the neck collars and cork stoppers created by Fattorini Silversmiths. To complete the piece, the bottle will be housed within handmade cabinets that have been crafted in Scottish Elmwood by master carpenter Peter Toaig.
Eddie MacAffer, Bowmore’s master distiller, says: “This 50 year old Bowmore is yet another wonderful example of the older whiskies that the distillery has matured in our No 1 Vaults warehouse, right on the shores of Loch Indaal. This rare whisky was slowly and expertly distilled using the old coal-fired stills used in Bowmore at that time. Now, the result of all that dedication and care, applied since 1961, is about to be revealed. The select people destined to sample the first taste of this special Nectar are privileged indeed.”